24 Delicious Christmas Muffin Recipes for Brunch or Gifts -

Introduction

Christmas muffins are one of the easiest ways to bring warmth to your holiday mornings. Whether you’re hosting brunch, packing edible gifts, or stocking the freezer for busy days, these muffins are cozy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Below, you’ll find festive combinations ranging from spiced classics to fruity favorites—each simple, joyful, and ready for your holiday table.

1. Gingerbread Spice Muffins

These muffins bring classic holiday spice and a soft, tender crumb everyone loves.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk flour, baking soda, and spices.
Mix sugar, butter, milk, molasses, and egg separately.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Fill muffin cups and bake for 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.

2. Cranberry Orange Muffins

A fresh and fruity option with festive colors and a tangy-sweet flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tbsp orange zest
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup orange juice
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
Stir in cranberries and zest.
Add butter, juice, and egg; mix gently.
Bake 17–19 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with orange glaze for an extra festive touch.

3. Chocolate Peppermint Muffins

A chocolate lover’s dream with a refreshing peppermint crunch.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 egg
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, and baking soda.
Add oil, milk, extract, and egg.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add extra crushed peppermint on top while warm.

4. Apple Cinnamon Crumble Muffins

Soft apples and buttery crumble make these perfect for cozy mornings.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup diced apples
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 egg

For Crumble:

1/4 cup flour
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients; fold in apples.
Add oil, milk, and egg.
Top with crumble.
Bake 20–22 minutes.

How to Serve It

A light drizzle of cinnamon icing enhances the flavor.

5. White Chocolate Raspberry Muffins

A sweet, festive blend with pops of color.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup raspberries
1/2 cup white chocolate chunks
1 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine dry ingredients; fold in raspberries and chocolate.
Add wet ingredients and mix gently.
Bake 17–19 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm so the chocolate stays melty.

6. Eggnog Muffins

A soft, spiced muffin inspired by the classic holiday drink.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup eggnog
1/2 cup oil
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk dry ingredients.
Add eggnog, oil, and egg.
Mix gently.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle nutmeg on top for aroma.

7. Maple Pecan Muffins

A sweet, nutty recipe with warm holiday flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, sugar, pecans, and baking soda.
Add butter, milk, syrup, and egg.
Stir gently.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.

8. Snickerdoodle Muffins

A muffin version of the classic cookie—soft, buttery, and cinnamon-rich.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Add wet ingredients.
Stir until combined.
Bake 16–18 minutes.
Brush tops with butter and dip in cinnamon sugar.

How to Serve It

Serve warm for the best texture.

9. Carrot Cake Muffins

A healthier-feeling option with warm spices and natural sweetness.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda.
Add carrots, oil, milk, and egg.
Mix gently.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with a small swirl of cream cheese frosting.

10. Hot Cocoa Muffins

Inspired by a winter favorite drink—soft, chocolatey, and comforting.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Add milk, oil, and egg.
Fold in marshmallows.
Bake 18 minutes.

How to Serve It

Dust with cocoa powder.

11. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Muffins

These muffins are soft, comforting, and filled with warm Christmas spices.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, sugar, and spices.
Whisk butter, milk, and egg in a separate bowl.
Mix wet and dry ingredients until combined.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar.

12. Lemon Poppy Seed Christmas Muffins

A refreshing option that balances sweetness with bright citrus notes.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Whisk dry ingredients, zest, and poppy seeds.
Add milk, oil, lemon juice, and egg.
Stir gently.
Bake 16–18 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add a lemon glaze for a festive shine.

13. Cherry Almond Muffins

A tender, fruity holiday muffin with nutty notes.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup chopped cherries
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cherries, and almonds.
Add oil, milk, and egg.
Stir until combined.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with a sprinkle of extra almonds.

14. Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

Perfect for chocolate fans who want something sweet and festive.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, and baking soda.
Add oil, milk, and egg.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake 18 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm for the meltiest chocolate texture.

15. Apple Pie Muffins

A handheld twist on classic apple pie.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup apple pie filling, chopped
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 egg
3/4 cup milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine dry ingredients.
Add oil, egg, milk, and pie filling.
Stir gently.
Bake 20–22 minutes.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

16. Pistachio Muffins

A lightly sweet and nutty muffin that feels festive and unique.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp almond extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, sugar, pistachios, and baking soda.
Add butter, milk, egg, and extract.
Stir until just mixed.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with extra chopped pistachios.

17. Banana Nut Muffins

A soft, sweet option perfect for holiday mornings.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup oil
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and walnuts.
Mix bananas, oil, and egg separately.
Combine mixtures.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add a drizzle of honey on top.

18. Blueberry Muffins with Winter Citrus

A bright, fruity muffin with a refreshing hint of citrus.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp citrus zest
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix dry ingredients; fold in blueberries.
Add butter, milk, zest, and egg.
Stir gently.
Bake 17–19 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with a light citrus glaze.

19. Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Warm, spiced, and perfect for transitioning into the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
1 cup pumpkin purée
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup oil
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda.
Add pumpkin, oil, and egg.
Mix until smooth.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

20. White Chocolate Pistachio Muffins

A sweet and festive pairing that feels extra special.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk flour, sugar, pistachios, and baking powder.
Add butter, milk, and egg.
Fold in white chocolate.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Top with extra chopped pistachios.

21. Cinnamon Roll Muffins

All the flavor of a cinnamon roll in an easy muffin format.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 egg

Cinnamon Swirl:

2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk dry ingredients.
Add milk, butter, and egg.
Add swirl mixture gently before filling cups.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add a ribbon of vanilla icing.

22. Strawberry Christmas Muffins

A sweet, colorful muffin perfect for brunch.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup chopped strawberries
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Fold in berries.
Add butter, milk, and egg.
Bake 16–18 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar.

23. Chocolate Chip Muffins

A simple, crowd-pleasing recipe with classic holiday charm.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients.
Add wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm for gooey chocolate bites.

24. Holiday Spice Muffins

A fragrant, cozy muffin filled with seasonal spices.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk flour, sugar, and spices.
Add butter, milk, and egg.
Stir gently.
Bake 18–20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look.

Conclusion

Christmas muffins are an easy way to bring comfort, color, and joy into your home during the holidays. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or spiced flavors, there’s a muffin here ready to brighten your brunch or make a thoughtful homemade gift. Save your favorites, bake a few batches, and enjoy sharing them with the people you care about.

Riley Carson